Intellectual MeritThe topic of sensors and applications has been selected believing that these concepts has a wide spectrum of the application for undergraduate students plus projects can be defined so that undergraduates perceive significant progress in a short time period. At the end of this activity students developed a good understanding about detecting different physical phenomena and translating them to sensible electronic signals, and at the same time be exposed to foundational concepts in sensor operation and fabrication technology. They will gain appreciation of the importance of sensors in everyday life and obtain an introduction to the critical role of sensors in complex systems. Weekly seminars, brainstorming sessions of general interest in science, and general scientific skill development workshops are provided to increase the quality of outcomes.

Program overview Special Programs Seminars and workshops are provided to improve communication , presentation, digital search and publication skills . Invited speakers , faculty, researchers and graduate students provide workshop presentations at the meetings to help develop a deeper grasp of the technical aspects, to sharpen skills in writing and presentations and to assess important aspects of the broader impact such as related manufacturing and societal impact. Speaker series consists of inviting entrepreneurs , successful graduate students and leaders that helps broadening the view of students . Field trips will also help students to see the outcome of the sensor technology research in daily life. Sites are selected to be interesting for students, and also collaborate with the general outcomes of this REU. Feedback surveys and other merit measurement information are collected during these sessions.

Department of Electrical Engineering, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019

Publications“A Mutual Inductance Approach for Optimization of Wireless Energy Transmission,” M. Q. Nguyen, P. Woods, Z. Hughes, Y.-S. Seo, S. Rao, and J.-C. Chiao, Texas Symposium on Wireless and Microwave Circuits and Systems, Waco, TX, April 3-4 2014. “Mapping Wireless Power Transfer for Implantable Stimulator Applications,” Z. Hughes, Y.-S. Seo, P. Woods, M. Nguyen, S. Rao, P. McCorkle and J.-C. Chiao, BMES Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting, Seattle, Sept. 25-28, 2013. “Position and Angular Misalignment Analysis for a Wirelessly Powered Stimulator,” M. Q. Nguyen, P. Woods, Y.-S. Seo, S. Rao, and J.-C. Chiao, 2013 International Microwave Symposium, Seattle, June 2-7, 2013. “Investigation of Wireless Power Transfer in Through-wall Applications,” Y.-S. Seo, Z. Hughes, M. Hoang, D. Isom, M. Nguyen, S. Rao, and J.-C. Chiao, Asia-Pacific Microwave Conference, APMC2012, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Dec. 4-7, 2012.

Research Experiences for Undergraduate:Sensors and Applications

IntroductionThere is a general gap in engineering education between the undergraduate and graduate levels, since the former focuses on basic skills development whereas the latter focuses on garnering new knowledge. The purpose of this REU program is to provide incentives and research experience for undergraduate students, to help bridge this gap. When students are challenged by research tasks early in their undergraduate education they tend to be better prepared and more highly motivated to pursue a higher education. Here the targeted experiences are provided by dedicated faculty and their research teams. The 9-week REU delivery embeds students in an active and supportive research team, familiarizes them with the purpose and motivation of the research team work, and exposes them to the larger context including applications as well as competing approaches and building a professional network.

Broader ImpactThe proposed REU site project will engage students in meaningful research activities through close interaction with a group of active researchers in the UT Arlington Department of Electrical Engineering. The participants will experience the challenges and satisfaction of doing research, and will be encouraged to pursue advanced degrees in science and engineering. The program provides the participation in research activities by women, and underrepresented minorities. We will especially seek and encourage participation from two and four year institutions with limited research capabilities in Texas and its neighboring states. Diversity of the program strengthens research capability and increases competence across ethnic, gender and socioeconomic lines, and also helps us in providing role models for talented students whose potentials may not be fully utilized. The follow up program is defined to promote sustainment and to help ensure maximum impact, up to publishing and participating in technical conferences. Benefits to the faculty are also considered to provide more effective and productive graduate students. Previous results show undergraduate students who are exposed to research are more interested in early return to pursue graduate studies and in most cases they prefer to study with the same faculty member.

Participation of women in engineering Contribution to industry

Improving presentation skills Improving communication skills Diversity

Building community and pride

Contact InformationPI: Dr. Kambiz Alavi Email: alavi@uta.edu416 Yates Street Nedderman Hall Arlington, TX 76011 Tel. No.: (817) 272 2672www.uta.edu/ee/reu

Outreach to other disciplines Weekly speaker series Active participation in the research